Specialized Populations Officer (Juvenile)

State of Nebraska•Wahoo, NE

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Specialized Populations Officer provides case management and supervision for high-risk individuals in Problem-Solving Court programs, post-release supervision, and other specialized adult and juvenile probation cases, including sex offenses, domestic violence, and drug offenses. Assignments are made by rotation and supervisor direction for Problem-Solving Courts. The position is based in Wahoo, Nebraska, and covers multiple counties in District #5. Regular travel within the district is expected for community visits and operational support, with occasional regional travel for orientation, training, and educational workshops. The schedule has core daytime hours Monday through Friday. Occasional on-call, evening, weekend, and holiday availability is required as part of the Judicial Branch’s 24/7 commitment to community safety. The role may include presentence investigations; classification and clinical assessments; case planning; coordination with community treatment providers; investigating violations and discussing sanctions; facilitating cognitive and other client groups; drug testing; progress and compliance reporting; record checks and database updates; arresting or detaining probationers as authorized by statute; and field and home visits for assessment and reassessment. The position requires a bachelor’s degree in social services, criminal justice, or a directly related field and two years of related case-management experience. An equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be considered. The work is performed under close supervision and includes counseling, reporting, team supervision, and participation in treatment processes. Physical demands are classified as light work, and incumbents may encounter environmental threats, odors, dust, inadequate lighting, workspace restrictions, and travel.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in social services, criminal justice, or a directly related field.
Two years of experience in case management in related fields.
An equivalent combination of relevant education and experience sufficient to perform the essential duties may be considered.
Educational credits must be from an institution accredited by an organization approved by the U.S. Department of Education.
Knowledge of customer service principles; the criminal justice system, laws, legal codes, and court procedures; interview and assessment practices; intervention procedures; cognitive skill building and motivational learning; social learning theory; crisis intervention; office procedures and equipment; recordkeeping; document review; and computers and related software.
Skills in making home visits, interviewing probationers, tracking probationers’ locations, using probation and protective techniques, applying laws and regulations, preparing activity reports, updating databases, operating computers and software, and communicating effectively.
Ability to travel regularly within the district and occasionally regionally.

Nice To Haves

Higher education or relevant experience may support consideration for a higher starting rate, subject to management approval.
Bilingual ability may qualify for bilingual pay.

Responsibilities

Investigate, monitor, and supervise targeted, program-specific high-risk individuals on probation, post-release supervision, or in adult and juvenile Problem-Solving Court programs.
Provide counseling, case management, case reporting, and related caseload-management functions under close supervision.
Develop a team supervision approach with referral sources, such as probation officers, Navigation Officers, Problem-Solving Court teams, county jail staff, and prison caseworkers.
Participate in individuals’ treatment through ongoing communication with providers and attendance at treatment groups and facilities; assist with relapse-prevention plans.
Facilitate topical, supervision, cognitive, skill-building, life-skills, and general-education groups.
Prepare violation and compliance reports, conduct record checks, update client information in applicable systems, and determine which reports to send to the court.
Perform other duties of a similar nature or level.
Conduct presentence investigations, classification and clinical assessments, and field and home visits as assigned.
Coordinate with community treatment providers, investigate violations, discuss sanctions, conduct and monitor drug tests, and prepare probationer progress reports.
Arrest or detain probationers as authorized by statute.

Benefits

Employer-paid health and prescription insurance (79%).
Dental and vision insurance plans available for purchase.
Short-term and long-term disability coverage available for purchase.
Employee Assistance Program for confidential support.
Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts.
State retirement-plan match of 156% of the first 4.8% contribution.
Free $20,000 life insurance policy.
Optional life insurance and AD&D coverage available for purchase.
Thirteen paid holidays annually.
Paid vacation and sick leave accruing immediately.
Military leave and funeral/bereavement leave.
Paid training.
Free continuing education credits to maintain professional certifications.
Access to specialized courses through Judicial Branch Education.
Opportunity for bilingual pay.
A 2.5% pay increase after successful completion of the probation period for employees starting at the hiring rate.
Annual cost-of-living adjustments, subject to State Legislature approval.